GAME 4: Eastern Michigan Eagles

Sunday

Aug 29, 2010 at 12:01 AMAug 29, 2010 at 11:05 AM

Running back Dwayne Priest, a 5-foot-8, 190-pound senior, ran for 633 yards and seven touchdowns last year. Tight end Ben Thayer caught 29 passes for 261 yards. Guard Andrew Sorgatz started 11 games as a freshman. Linebacker Marcus English had 41 tackles. Three defensive linemen return, led by Brandon Slater.

Running back Dwayne Priest, a 5-foot-8, 190-pound senior, ran for 633 yards and seven touchdowns last year. Tight end Ben Thayer caught 29 passes for 261 yards. Guard Andrew Sorgatz started 11 games as a freshman. Linebacker Marcus English had 41 tackles. Three defensive linemen return, led by Brandon Slater.

Newcomers to watch

Jordan Erbes of Kettering Fairmont was considered a recruiting coupe. He's 6 feet 4, 260 pounds and will be moved from offensive tackle to guard. Freshman linebacker Darius Moffett was the Chicago Public School League defensive player of the year in 2008.

Keys to the offense

Who will play quarterback? Alex Gillett, a sophomore, started nine games last season but didn't dazzle. Redshirt freshman Devontae Payne, who is 6-6, might be the long-term answer. The return of tackle Bridger Buche and center Eric Davis from injuries that wiped out their 2009 seasons will help the stability of the O-line. Receiver Tyrone Burke is expected to become a playmaker.

Keys to the defense

The Eagles were the worst team against the run in the major-college ranks last season, allowing 276.8 yards per game and 6.3 yards per carry. That prompted English to hire former Detroit Lions linebackers coach Phil Snow and former Louisville defensive line coach Ken Delgado. The unit must replace leading tackler Andre Hatchett, a defensive back.